The nationwide US launch of the 2026 22nd New Silk Road China International Children's Model Contest and New Silk Road's 37th Anniversary International Fashion Week kicked off at the American Dream complex in New Jersey, with organizers announcing regional competitions in multiple US cities ahead of the national finals in Manhattan on May 31.

The event coincided with Chinese New Year celebrations that drew guests, media representatives and families from China and the United States.

At a news conference held during the launch event on Feb 14, organizers announced regional competitions in cities including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

These competitions will precede the US national finals in Manhattan at the end of May. The winners of these regional competitions will have the opportunity to represent the United States in international competitions and cultural exchange activities, according to the organizers.

The news conference was hosted by two young talents, 10-year-old Martin Qin and 14-year-old Rebeca Obando. Their natural and confident stage presence earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Founded in 1989, the New Silk Road China Model Contest has, over more than three decades, grown into one of China's largest, most influential and most professional modeling competitions.

Since the 18th edition of the New Silk Road China International Children's Model Contest was launched in the United States in 2022, the contest has been held consecutively through the 22nd edition, providing a global stage for aspiring young models across America to showcase their talent.

As a pioneer of China's fashion industry, New Silk Road has cultivated numerous internationally renowned supermodels, including Liu Wen, Hu Bing, Qu Ying, Ye Jihong, Chen Juanhong, Ma Yanli, Jiang Peilin, Xie Dongna, Yu Na and Du Juan, as well as cross-industry stars like Zhang Zilin, winner of the Miss World title, continuously writing new chapters in China's fashion legacy.

David Cui, president of J.I.A. International Group and founder of the US Starlight Youth Talent Competition, serves as chief planner and director of the event.

He introduced competition highlights and the schedule, including a first-round set for Mother's Day, May 10, at American Dream Mall, Hall A, and the US national finals scheduled for May 31 in Manhattan, New York.

The contest has two main categories: a children's model category for ages 3 to 16, and an adult model category for ages 17 and above.

Winners in each age category of the US national finals will be invited to participate in global finals and cultural exchange programs from July 17-19 in Qingdao and July 31-Aug 2 in Chengdu.

Another highlight of this year's contest is collaboration with renowned fashion designers and brands, offering contestants professional platforms to showcase their talents in brand-special runway shows.

At the launch ceremony, over 60 young models delivered a runway performance. With confident strides and radiant smiles, they lit up the venue, creating an atmosphere filled with youthful energy and festive joy for the Chinese New Year.

Organizers said the successful US launch not only provides a new international platform for American youth models, but also further promotes cultural and fashion exchanges between China and the United States, empowering more young talent to shine confidently on the world stage.

(Sponsored content provided by the Organizing Committee of the New Silk Road China Model Contest.)